Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance: Key Details on the €285 Social Welfare Payment

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a once-off, means-tested social welfare payment designed to help eligible families cover the cost of school essentials for children. The scheme provides financial support ahead of the school year, with payments distributed throughout the summer months.

For the 2025 scheme, the payment rates are set at €160 for eligible children aged two to 11 (on or before September 30) and €285 for children aged 12 and over who are in second-level education. This represents an expansion from previous years, as two and three-year-olds can now qualify for the scheme for the first time.

Eligibility extends to families where parents work full-time, provided household income falls within specified limits and the applicant is receiving a qualifying social welfare payment or participating in an approved employment, training, or education scheme. Since June 2025, individuals receiving the Foster Care Allowance can too apply for the payment for each foster child in their care.

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has confirmed that over €54 million has been allocated for this year’s scheme, which is expected to benefit more than 114,000 families across Ireland. In 2025, over 126,000 families availed of the allowance.

Applications for the scheme typically open in June, with many families qualifying automatically and not needing to submit a form. Payments are issued during the summer months to assist with back-to-school preparations.

Further information about the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, including detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures, is available through official government channels and reputable news sources covering social welfare updates in Ireland.